Conditioning material dispenser for washing machines



Nov. 30, 1965 SEAL 3,220,607

CONDITIONING MATERIAL DISPENSER FOR WASHING MACHINES Filed May 16, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTO BY MA I'll it Nov. 30, 1965 J. D. SEAL 3,220,607

CONDITIONING MATERIAL DISPENSER FOR WASHING MACHINES Filed May 15, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I2 Ea. 3

03 ONE OR MORE RINSES 82 MAY OCCUR DURING 1 THIS INTERVAL.

I04 it) I IoI S5 I i J, 51 l F If IOO INVENTO JOfZZ LD EQQ United States Patent 3,220,607 CONDITIONING MATERIAL DISPENSER FOR WASHING MACHINES John D. en], Waukesha, Wis., assignor to General Electric Company, a corporation of New York Filed May 13, 1964, Ser. No. 367,176 Claims. (Cl. 22254) This invention relates to dispensing apparatus, and in particular to apparatus which can dispense water conditioning material at predetermined intervals during the operational cycle of an appliance such as a dishwasher or a clothes washer.

In wishwashing and clothes washing apparatus it is usually desirable to have two washing operations, each with fresh detergent, and at least one rinsing operation in which a rinse water additive gives some desirable characteristic to the rinsing solution. In dishwashers, for example, the rinse water additive may include a wetting agent which facilitates drainage of water from the dishes to expedite the drying of them, and in a clothes washer the rinse water additive may comprise one of the liquid fabric-softening materials which are now popularly used.

In dispensing devices presently used in domestic appliances of this type it is usually the practice to provide a first dispenser for the detergent and a second dispenser for the rinse water additive. Each of these dispensers has its own operating mechanism. I have found that the detergent dispenser and the rinse water additive dispenser can be combined into a structure having a common operating mechanism of a type which is simple to manufacture and assemble, and yet schedules the operation of the dispensing apparatus in a manner which precludes operation out of the desired sequence.

It is therefore a feature of the invention to provide a simplified mechanism for operating a dispenser from which two essentially different types of a water conditioning material may be discharged in a desired sequence.

It is another object of the invention to provide a dispensing mechanism adapted to dispense two charges of granular detergent at predetermined spaced intervals, and a charge of a liquid conditioning material at a later time, said mechanism having a mechanical power system which is energized as the granular dispenser component is positioned for loading.

In a presently preferred embodiment adapted for use with dishwashers I provide a cylindrical device having two open-topped compartments, each containing a charge of granular detergent or the like. This device is arranged for rotation about a horizontal axis, and by an escapement mechanism of which the device itself is a part, it is caused to rotate to a first position in which a first charge of granular material is released, and subsequently to a second position in which a second charge of material is released.

A dispenser for a liquid rinse water additive is mechanically related to the cylindrical device in the sense that ratation of the latter to a first position effects the placement of a measured quantity of the liquid in a valve which controls flow of the liquid to a passage communicating with the dishwasher tub. A later rotation of the v granular dispenser to a final position actuates a valve mechanism to cause the flow of the additive into the dishwasher tub. The power for this rotation is provided by a coil spring in which energy is stored as the cylindrical device is manually rotated from its final position to a position in which its respective compartments are available for reloading. A simple and effective escapement release mechanism comprises a thermally operated element arranged to be activated at appropriate times in the operational sequence of the dishwashing apparatus.

3,220,607 A Patented Nov. 30, 1965 ice Other features and advantages of the invention will best be understood from the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment read in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a rear elevational view of the dispenser as installed in a side wall of a dishwasher, with the liquiddispensing portion of the dispenser shown in section on lines 11 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 2 is a side sectional elevation taken on lines 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan sectional view 'of the dispenser taken on lines 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation of the granular material dispenser, with a portion of the front wall broken away;

FIG. 5 is a schematic wiring diagram; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic switch-actuation chart.

Looking now at FIGS. 1 and 2, dispensing apparatus embodying the present invention is mounted within a side wall structure of a dishwasher of the familiar top loading type. The dishwasher is shown very fragmentarily; it will be understood that the dishwasher 1 has interior walls 2 defining a washing chamber arranged for the accommodation of articles to be washed; said wash ing chamber has suitably located therein water distribution devices (not shown) which may be of any conventional pattern, Also, it is understood that there are facilities (not shown) for the admission of hot water for washing and rinsing, and for effecting the discharge of the spent washing and rinsing liquids. Finally, it will be appreciated that time cycle controlled mechanism of any conventional pattern (shown schematically in FIG. 5) is available to establish a sequence of operations which may include two separate washing periods with fresh detergent solutions and one or more rinsing operations in which the water used in the final rinse has an additive such as a wetting agent which causes the rinse water to drain more freely from the dishes, and thus expedite the drying of them and reduce the incidence of water spotting caused by the evaporation of water remaining on the dishes as they dry in the tub. The dishwasher is provided with a hinged cover 3 having a peripheral gasket 4 which compresses against the top wall structure as the cover is latched closed. A run 5 of the gasket isolates the dispensing mechanism from splashing water as hereinafter explained.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a fiat funnel-like structure 10 is provided with a rectangular flanged portion 11 which defines the funnel outlet; screws 12 or equivalent fastening devices secure the funnel to the tub wall. Any appropriate gasket 13 may be used to seal the connection to the tub Wall.

A principal supporting structure for the dispenser mechanism may include the respective brackets 14, 14.1, having upper portions 15, 15.1 for attachment to the top wall 16 of the dishwasher tub. Straps 17 and 18 connect the respective brackets 14, 14.1 and provide bearings for the stub shafts 19 and 20 of the granular detergent dis penser 21.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the dispenser 21 has circular end walls, respectively 24, 25, interconnected by a W-shaped web 26 and a radially extending web 27. These webs collectively provide two open-topped receptacles, respectively 28, 30, from which water conditioning material may be sequentially dumped, as later explained.

The wall 24 may have an outer wall 31 and an inner wall 32 providing therebetween an annular groove 33; and the wall 25 may have an outer wall 34 and an inner wall 35 providing therebetween an annular groove 36. It is important to note in FIG. 1 that the outer wall 34 of wall 25 has ratchet teeth 37, 38 and that the inner wall 35 has ratchet teeth 40, 41, respectively angularly offset 15 degrees in a clockwise direction relative to the teeth 37, 38. Further, there is a third ratchet tooth 42 projecting from wall 35, said tooth being spaced 90 degrees from tooth 37; and a web 43 extending radially between the walls 34 and 35 occupies the full depth of the groove 36. The respective teeth extend radially into the space between the respective walls, leaving, however, an unobstructed annular space between them.

The dispenser 2-1 is biased for rotation counterclockwise of FIG. 1 by a coil spring 45 having one end anchored in a lug 46 extending from the bracket 17 and the other end fixed within a diametric slot 47 of the stub shaft 20. The spring is arranged that manual rotation of the container 21 from its ultimate dispensing position to its loading position reenergizes the spring for subsequent dispensing operations.

Rotation of the dispenser 21 is restrained by a mechanism comprising a thermally distortable member 50 carried by an insulating block 51 suitably affixed to strap 17; said member 50 mounts at its free end a detent 52 which projects into the groove 36 and is arranged to be engaged by the respective ratchet teeth on the inner and outer walls according to the flexure of the member 50. Under one condition of operation, the member 50 places its detent 52 in operative association with the ratchet teeth of the inner wall; FIG. 1, for example, shows a home position of the dispenser 21 in which the web 27 is in a vertical position, and the respective compartments 28 and 30 are upwardly facing. When, as later described, the member 50 is actuated to another condition of operation, its member 52 releases the tooth 42 and moves into the path of the tooth 37. As the spring 45 propels the container 21 through the 90 degree rotation established by the angular spacing between the teeth 42 and 37, the contents of the pocket 30 are emptied into the funnel structure for passage therefrom into the dishwasher tub. Subsequent operation of the member 50 causes its detent 52 to disengage tooth 37 and permit the dispenser to rotate an additional degrees until stopped when the tooth 40 engages the detent; said rotation is not sutficient to bring the compartment 28 to dispensing position. When the time cycle control attains its operative circuit, establishing a second washing operation, the thermal member 50 is again caused to release the tooth 40 and to move into the path of the tooth 38, whereupon the resulting rotation of the dispenser 21 effects the discharge of the contents of compartment 28. Upon again operating, the member 50 causes release of the tooth 38 and the engagement of the detent 52 with the tooth 41, which signifies the end of the second washing function. As presently explained, the container will have a further rotation which Will be established by the tooth 41, and a final rotation established by the engagement of the web 43 with the detent 52.

Rotation of dispenser 21 is used to prepare a second water conditioning material dispenser for release of a measured charge of material and to effect the release at a time established by the above noted further rotation of the container.

Looking at FIG. 1, a reservoir 60 for liquid material to be added to the final rinse water comprises a body structure 61 appropriately supported on angularly offset base portions 14.2 and 14.3 of the respective brackets 14 and 14.1. The body structure provides a reservoir of sufiicient capacity for three or four months supply of the conditioning material, which as is well known in the art, is used in very small quantitiesfor example, only a fraction of one cubic centimeter for each dishwashing operation. The body structure is L-shaped, as shown by the branch 62, and the branch portion is provided with a fill tube 63. As shown in FIG. 2, this fill tube is generally in alignment with the dispenser 21, but is, of course, laterally offset therefrom. The tube 63 terminates at the upper tub wall 16 which is formed with a cup-like depression 64 serving to accommodate the cap 65. The cap may advantageously have a dip stick 66 extending therefrom for the obvious purpose.

It will be noted in FIG. 1 that the bottom wall of the reservoir 60 slopes to a spherical depression 67, and said bottom wall also has an upstanding valve body 68 of which the portion 70 above the valve seat comprises a measuring cup for accurately metering the quantity of material to be dispensed into the rinse water. A lateral passage 71 extends from the valve body through the wall of the funnel member 10. The valve element 72 desirably has a conical tip to be normally in flow-preventing engagement with the valve seat 73; the valve stem terminates in a cylindrical portion 74 which is axially displaceable relative to the bearing sleeve 75 formed as a part of the reservoir cover 76. The valve stem has an apertured extremity 77 (FIG. 2) operatively associated with which is an actuating lever 78 pivotally mounted in structure 80 on the reservoir cover. Lever 78 carries a cam element 81 terminating in a cam face 82 which may have a rubbing contact with the wall 35.

The device for transferring material from the reservoir to the measuring cup 70 comprises a scoop device 84 having a bowl 85 and an extension providing an open-topped channel 86. The scoop is pivotally mounted for rotation within the reservoir, and is arranged so that in one position its bowl occupies the spherical depression 67 of the reservoir and in a second position the open end of the channel 86 will empty into the measuring cup. The actuator for the scoop comprises a lever 87 which extends upwardly through a suitable opening in the cover 76. Lever 87 terminates in an arm which extends laterally and upwardly to present a portion 88 in parallelism with the face of the wall 25 radially inward of the wall 35.

The scoop 84 and the valve actuating lever 78 are operated as follows by pins extending from the dispenser 21. An actuating pin 90 occupies the broken line position 90.1 (shown at about the eleven oclock position in FIG. 1), when the dispenser 21 has completed its rotation to the ultimate position at which the web 43 has engaged with the detent 52, as earlier explained. The weight disposition of the scoop 84 is such that it rotates to the broken line position of FIG. 1, and the bowl portion 85 is occupying the concavity 67 of the reservoir. It is therefore submerged within the liquid content of the reservoir 60. When the person using the dishwasher wishes to return the dispenser 21 to its refilling position (which is the FIG. 1 position) he manually rotates the dispenser in a clockwise direction with respect to the figure, and as the dis penser 21 comes within about 90 degrees of its loading position, the pin 90 occupies the 90.2 position of FIG. 1, and is immediately in front of the actuating lever portion 83. The final manual rotation of the dispenser 21 to the loading position causes the pin 90 to rotate the spoon to the full line position of FIG. 1, in which the contents of the scoop will pass along the channel 86 and pour into the measuring cup 70. Obviously, any excess will overflow the cup and return to the reservoir.

Operation of the valve actuating lever 78 is accomplished in a similar manner. A pin 91 projects from the wall 35. When the dispenser 21 is in its fill position of FIG. 1, the actuating lever 78 is as shown; this position may be assured by the provision of a light mousetrap spring 92 at the pivot structure 80. As the dispenser begins its rotation following the discharge of the second quantity of granular detergent, the pin 91 is in the 91.1 position of FIG. 1, in which position it is obviously capable of rotating the lever 78 in a counterclockwise direction during the remainder of the rotation of the dispenser. Lever 78 is therefore eifective to unseat the valve and permit the liquid within the cup 70 to pass to the passage 71, and thence to the funnel structure 10.

In the schematic wiring diagram of FIG. 5 a conventional timer apparatus includes a synchronous motor of the Telechron type, for rotating a cam shaft 101. The usual slip clutch 102 is interposed between the motor and the came shaft to permit the shaft to be manually rotated by the knob 103 without damage to the motor or its gear train (not shown). As is well understood, the timer is located within the walls of the dishwasher apparatus, and the knob 103 positioned ex ternally for convenient access. The cam shaft carries cam C-1 which controls the normally open switch S-1; cam -2 which controls the normally open switch S2; cam C-3 which controls the normally open switch 8-3; cam G4 which controls the normally open switch 8-4; cam C-5 which controls the normally open switch S-5; and cam C-6 which controls the normally open switch S-6. Switch 8-1 is in the energy circuit of timer motor 100; switch 8-2 is in the energy circuit of the water distribution pump motor 104; switch 5-3 is in the energy circuit of solenoid 105 which operates a solenoid actuated water inlet valve (not shown), of a conventional type which is closed when the solenoid is deenergized; switch S-4 controls solenoid 106 of a solenoid operated drain valve (not shown) of the conventional type which is open when the solenoid is denergized; switch 5-5 is in the energy circuit of the thermally responsive member 50; and switch 8-6 is in the energy circuit for the heating element 107 positioned within the dishwasher tube and arranged to be energized at various times during the dishwasher operation. The heating element 107 is always under continuous energy during the drying operation of the dishwasher to supply heat to facilitate evaporation of the moisture from the dishes, and it may be operated at other intervals if it is desired to have the heater act as a temperature booster for the washing or rinsing water.

The schematic cam chart of FIG. 6 shows by the heavy lines the various intervals during which the several switches are closed by their respective cams. The S- shaped broken lines which interrupt certain of the closedswitch designations for the switches 8-2 and S6 are intended to convey that the respective switches may be closed for longer periods than indicated in the figure; and the gap between the vertical broken lines is intended to suggest that prior to the final rinse the dishwasher may have one or more intermediate rinses, each of which would require the operation of the circulation pump and the inlet and drain valves. Possibly also these intervals may be desirable to energize the heating element 107 for its temperature boosting function above noted.

Assuming the detergent dispenser to have the charges of detergent in the respective cups 28 and 30, and the placement in the dishwasher of the articles to be washed, the user closes the dishwasher lid and latches it closed. If the lid is equipped with a latch operated switch such as shown in Jellies US. Patent 3,005,065 of October 17, 1961, for example, the closure of the latch closes the switch 108 in the main power line which is assumed to be the usual 115-volt A.C. domestic system. The user then rotates knob 83 to its designated on position, causing cam 0-1 to close switch S-l, thereby energizing the timer motor 100 for continuous operation during the dishwashing, rinsing and drying cycles. Soon thereafter the timer motor operates cams C2 and 0-3 to energize the circulating pump motor 104 and the inlet valve solenoid 105. The transverse gasket 5 protects against water splashing into the open cups 28 and 30. The drain valve solenoid 106 is at this time deenergized, whereupon the dishwashing apparatus accomplishes a flush-away rinse cycle during which gross soil is removed :from the dishes and carried to the drain. During this interval also the water piping to the dishwasher is purged of cold Water so that at the commencement of the first dishwashing period adequate hot water will be available.

At the end of the period during which the flush-away rinse is accomplished, cam C-4 closes the circuit to the drain valve solenoid 106, thus closing the drain valve.

The Water inlet valve is maintained open for the further period required to bring the desired amount of wash water into the tub, and the circulation pump is maintained in operation to accomplish a washing action of desired length. For an interval necessary to energize the thermal member 50 to accomplish the first release of the dispenser 20 to discharge the contents of the cup 30 into the tub, cam C5 closes switch S-5 and then re-opens the switch to permit the member 50 to restore and release dispenser 21 for rotation to a position in preparation for the next detergent release, as previously described. Although the circuit of FIG. 5 shows passage of current through the bimetal 50, it will be understood that the bimetal may be heated by an external heating coil, as Well known in the art. At the end of the first washing operation (which has been represented by the end of the closed circuit condition of switch 8-2) the recirculating motor 104 stops and the deenergization of solenoid 106 by the opening of switch S-4 restores the drain valve to open position to accomplish the removal of the spent wash water. After the drainage interval switch S3 again effects the opening of the inlet valve to admit water for the second wash, switch S2 reactivates the circulation motor 104-, switch 8-4 re-closes the drain valve, and switch S-5 reenergizes the member 50 for the release of the detergent escapement mechanism for the discharge of the second quantity of detergent into the tub. The end of the second wash is signified by the concurrent deenergization of the circulation pump motor 104 and the drain valve solenoid 106.

After one or more intermediate rinses the timer advances the cycle to the final rinse represented by the reactivation of circuits controlled by switches S-2, S3, S4 and S5, the latter circuit effecting the final rotation of the dispenser 21 to cause the opening of valve 72 and the drainage of the rinse water additive into the tub by way of the passage 71, as previously noted.

The termination of the final rinse is signified by the opening of the circuits controlling the recirculation pump and the drain valve solenoid. At some point during the final rinse, or coincident with the termination of the final rinse, the switch S6 closes to energize the heating element 107 for the purpose of facilitating the evaporation of moisture from the dishes, as well understood. Upon the completion of a time interval calculated to accomplish the drying of the dishes, the heating unit circuit is opened, and the switch S1 remains on for a brief interval necessary to bring the timer to its off position.

While there has been described what is at present thought to he a preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood that various modifications may be made therein, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications which fall Within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. Dispensing apparatus, comprising a cylindrical container having first and second open-topped compartments, each arranged to accommodate a charge of granular material; means for mounting said container for rotation relative to structure into which said granular material is to be emptied; spring means for rotating said container; an escapement mechanism for eifecting rotation of said container from a first position to a second position effecting discharge of said material from the first compartment and subsequently to a third position effecting discharge from said second compartment, said container being arranged for manual return rotation from its third to its first said position; means for restoring said spring means to container-rotating condition upon said manual rotation, and means for activating said escapement mechanism.

2. Dispensing apparatus, comprising structure providing first and second open-topped compartments, each arranged to accommodate a charge of granular material; means for mounting said structure for conjoint rotation of said container relative to a chamber into which said granular material is to be emptied; spring means for rotating said structure; means on said structure for establishing angular displacement of said container from a nondispensing first position to a second position effecting discharge of said material from the first compartment and subsequently to a third position effecting discharge from said second compartment, said structure being arranged for manual rotation from its third to its first said position; means for restoring said spring means to structure-rotating condition upon said manual rotation; detent means arranged to be sequentially engageable with said displacement-establishing means; and means for actuating said detent means for said sequential engagement.

3. Dispensing apparatus, comprising a container having first and second compartments, each arranged to releasably accommodate a quantity of fiowable material; means for mounting said container for rotation relative to structure into which said material is to be emptied, means for rotating said container; first and second radially spaced walls extending axially from an end wall of said container concentric with the axis of rotation thereof, each of said walls being provided with detent means extending into the intervening space, the detent means of one Wall being angularly displaced from the detent means of the other wall; a finger member extending into said space for engagement with the respective detent means; means including said finger member and one of said detent means for releasably securing said container in a first position in which said compartments are in a non-dispensing position; and means for periodically moving said finger member to release the detent means on one of the tracks and engage with the detent means on the other of the tracks to permit said container-rotation means to rotate the container from said first position to a second position effecting release of flowable material from the first, only, of said compartments and then to permit rotation of said container to effect release of the contents of said second of said compartments.

4. Dispensing apparatus, comprising a container having first and second compartments, each arranged to releasably accommodate a quantity of granular material; means for mounting said container for rotation relative to structure into which said granular material is to be emptied; means for rotating said container; first and second radially spaced walls extending axially from an end wall of said container concentric with the axis of rotation thereof, each of said Walls being provided with a plurality of shoulders extending into the space therebetween, the shoulders of one track being angularly displaced from the shoulders of the other track, and the radial length of said shoulders being such that there is an annular space therebetween; a finger member extending into said space for engagement with the respective shoulders; means including said finger member and one of said shoulders for releasably securing said container in a first position in which said compartments are in a non-dispensing position; and means for periodically moving said finger member to release a shoulder on one of the walls and engage with a shoulder on the other of the Walls to permit said containerrotation means to rotate the container from said first position to a second position effecting release of material from the first, only, of said compartments and then to permit rotatlon of said container to effect release of the contents of said second of said compartments.

5. Dispensing apparatus, comprising a cylindrical container having first and second open-topped compartments, each arranged to accommodate a quantity of granular material; means for mounting said container for rotation relative to structure into which said granular material is to be emptied; spring means for rotating said container; first and second radially spaced walls extending axially from an end wall of said container concentric therewith, each of said walls being provided with a plurality of detent means extending radially inwardly; the respective detent means of each wall being angularly displaced from those of the other wall, and the radial projection of the respective detent means providing an annular space; a finger member extending into said space for selective engagement with the respective detent means; means including said finger member and one of said detent means for releasably securing said container in a first position in which said compartments are in a non-dispensing position; thermally actuated means for periodically moving said finger member to release the detent means on one of the walls and engage with the detent means on the other of the walls to permit said container-rotation means to rotate the container from said first position to a second position effecting release of said granular material from the first, only, of said compartments and then to permit rotation of said container to effect release of the contents of said second of said compartments; said container being arranged for manual return to its non-dispensing position; and means for effecting storage of energy in said spring means during said manual return.

6. Dispensing apparatus, comprising a container having an open-topped compartment arranged to receive a quantity of material to be dispensed; means for mounting said container for rotation relative to a chamber into which said compartment is to discharge its content; springpowered mechanism for sequentially rotating said structure from a home position to a first position effecting discharge -from said compartment and then to a second position, said mechanism being arranged to 'be reenergized by manual return rotation of said container to said home position; structure providing a second container for accommodating other material to be dispensed; measuring means within said second container for releasably accumulating a predetermined quantity of material to be dispensed therefrom; means including a lever pivotally mounted for rotation relative to said second container for transferring material from said container to said measuring means; a pin mounted on said first container and engageable with said lever during rotation of said container to one of its said positions for effecting said transfer of material; means for efi'ecting release of said material from said measuring means; and means mechanically connecting said first container and said release means for actuating the same during rotation of said first container to another of its positions.

7. Dispensing apparatus, comprising a container having a compartment arranged for rotation from a nondispensing home position to a dispensing second position and then to a third position; mechanism for sequentially rotating said structure from said home position .to said second and third positions; structure providing a second container for accommodating other material to be dispensed; measuring means within said second container for releasably accumulating a predetermined quantity of material to be dispensed therefrom; means including a scoop device pivotally mounted for rotation relative to said second container for transferring material from said container to said measuring means; valving means for controlling the release of material from said measuring means; means mechanically connecting said first named container and said scoop device during rotation of said container to one of said positions to effect said transfer of material; and means mechanically connecting said first named container and said valving means during rotation of said container to another position to operate said valving means to release material from said measuring means.

8. Dispensing apparatus, comprising a container providing two open-topped compartments arranged for conjoint rotation about a common axis, each compartment being adapted to receive a quantity of material to be dispensed; means for mounting said container for rotation from a home position to first and second discharge positions and then to a third position; mechanism for sequentially rotating said structure from said home position to said other positions; structure providing a second container for accommodating other material to be dispensed; meas- 'uring means Within said second container for releasably accumulating a predetermined quantity of material to be dispensed therefrom; means accomplished by rotating said first container to one of said positions to transfer matrial from said second container to said measuring means; and means accomplished by movement of said first container to another of said positions to effect the discharge of material from said measuring means.

9. Dispensing apparatus, comprising a container providing open-topped compartment-s arranged for conjoint rotation about a common axis, each compartment being adapted to receive a quantity of material to be dispensed; means for mounting said container for rotation relative to a chamber into which said compartments are to discharge their contents; mechanism for sequentially rotating said structure from a first position to a plurality of other positions in which said compartments individually release their contents and to further positions following said release; structure providing a second container for accommodating other material to be dispensed; measuring means within said second container for releasably accumulating a predetermined quantity of material to be dispensed therefrom; means including a lever pivotally mounted for rotation relative to said measuring means to convey material from said second container to said measuring means; means on said first container to engage with said lever during rotation of said container to one of its positions to effect conveyance of material to said measuring means; means effective upon rotation of said first container to another of its positions to restore said material-conveying mean-s in preparation for another conveyance operation; lever-actuated means for releasing material from said measuring means; and means on said first container to engage with said last-named lever-actuated means to efiect said release of material.

10. Dispensing apparatus, comprising a container providing open-topped compartments arranged for conjoint rotation about a common axis, each compartment being adapted to receive a quantity of material to be dispensed; means for mounting said container for rotation relative to a chamber into which said compartments are to dis charge their contents; mechanism for sequentially rotating said structure from a first position to a plurality of other positions in which said compartments individually release their contents and to further positions following said release; structure providing a second container for ac commodating other material to be dispensed; measuring means within said second container for releasably vaccumulating a predetermined quantity of material to be dispensed therefrom; means including a lever pivotally mounted for rotation relative to said measuring means to convey material from said second container to said measuring means; means on said first container to engage with said lever during rotation of said container to one of its positions to effect conveyance of material to said measuring means; means effective upon rotation of said first container to another of its positions to restore said material-conveying means in preparation for another conveyance operation; and means for releasing material from said measuring means.

Reterences Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 823,677 6/1906 Fonbonne 222-144 1,862,961 6/1932 Lasater 222- X 2,137,928 11/1938 Tanqueray ZZZ-70 X 2,967,644 1/1961 Barber et a1 222144 3,043,479 7/1962 Gaukstern 2227O X 3,062,412 11/1962 Cushing 222-7O X 3,160,319 12/1964 Patzelt et al.

FOREIGN PATENTS 760,844 11/1956 Great Britain.

RAPHAEL M. LUPO, Primary Examiner. 

1. DISPENSING APPARATUS, COMPRISING A CYLINDRICAL CONTAINER HAVING FIRST AND SECOND OPEN-TOPPED COMPARTMENTS, EACH ARRANGED TO ACCOMMODATE A CHARGE OF GRANULAR MATERIAL; MEANS FOR MOUNTING SAID CONTAINER FOR ROTATION RELATIVE TO STRUCTURE INTO WHICH SAID GRANULAR MATERIAL IS TO BE EMPTIED; SPRING MEANS FOR ROTATING SAID CONTAINER; AN ESCAPEMENT MECHANISM FOR AFFECTING ROTATION OF SAID CONTAINER FROM A FIRST POSITION TO A SECOND POSITION EFFECTING DISCHARGE OF SAID MATERIAL FROM THE FIRST COMPARTMENT AND SUBSEQUENTLY TO A THIRD POSITION EFFECTING DISCHARGE FROM SAID SECOND COMPARTMENT, SAID CONTAINER BEING ARRANGED FOR MANUAL RETURN ROTATION FROM ITS THIRD TO ITS FIRST SAID POSITION; MEANS FOR RESTORING SAID SPRING MEANS TO CONTAINER-ROTATING CONDITION UPON SAID MANUAL ROTATION, AND MEANS FOR ACTIVATING SAID ESCAPEMENT MECHANISM. 